Modbus Connector (FC_Modbus)

The Modbus TCP protocol is a standard industrial protocol, which is prefereably operated with Ethernet devices. In 1979 the RTU variant (serial) was developed by Goud-Modicon for the communication of computers with PLC's. In 2007, Modbus TCP (special version of the protocol) was integrated in IEC 61158. Modbus is applied in most of the branches.

The protocol is based on a Client (Master) – Server (Slave) principle. Usually, a client is connected with multiple servers via a network. This enables the computer to communicate bidirectional (capture & control) and high performing with all other devices.

This is where FlowChief steps in takes on the client role, which means it can, centrally, communicate with all physically connected Modbus devices.

The connection of Modbus RTU devices (serial) is possible via the protocol converter Modbus RTU on TCP Converter (FC_Modbus_RTU_TCP).

Scenarios

  • Connection of Modbus TCP devices (Slaves), such as PLC's, (universal) meters, converters or network devices

  • Connection of Modbus RTU strings via (RTU/TCP) protocol converters (Modbus RTU on TCP Converter (FC_Modbus_RTU_TCP))

  • Read and write access rights for devices

  • FlowChief solutions: process control system, SCADA or gateway solution

  • Possible operation variants: On-Prem (on-site installation), Hosting

Highlights

  • Modbus TCP Master with random number of Modbus TCP slave devices

  • Various parameters for protocol conversion (e.g word order) for maximum compatibility to all manufacturers

  • Definition of device object types and automated creation of all process variables

  • Connector is integrated in web.HMI by default

 

Details

Protocol

  • TCP, e.g: via Ethernet

  • RTU (serial) – via RTU/TCP protocol converter

Supported protocol parameters

  • Byteorder switching

  • Deactivation of optimisation

  • Zero based index

  • Limitation of the der sampling rate

  • Idle period

Max. amount of devices

No limit

Activation / Deactivation of devices

Yes

Communication Monitoring

Yes, incl. specification of the max. Timeout

Frontend Configuration

Offline-Engineering

Yes

Supported object types

  • Single In- / Output – Coil (read /write)

  • Single Input - Discrete Input (read)

  • (analogue) Input - Input Tab (read)

  • (analogue) In- / Output - Holding Tab (read /write)

Licensing

License type standard

Optional Add-on FC_Modbus

License type web.HMI

No license required; included by default

NoteThe FlowChief Edge Controller can be operated for a secure connection of decentralised Modbus TCP devices with a central FlowChiefapplication.